Star Quality
THIS NEW VOICE-ACTIVATED VIDEO CAMERA CREATES HIGH-DEFINITION VIDEO OF YOUR BOATING AND FISHING ADVENTURES TO SHARE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Ever since digital video cameras hit the market a few years ago, boaters have enjoyed recording and watching footage of their kids tubing behind the boat, a passing scenic shoreline, or trophy fish breaking free of the water. Thanks to these versatile outdoor cameras, you can replay and relive some of your most memorable boating moments when you get back home, or share them with others via social media.
Shooting from a boat can be a tricky business, however. Garmin recently introduced a next-generation action camera, the VIRB Ultra 30 ($399), with features that make it easier to use and more fun. The new Ultra 30 is small, lightweight, rugged, and waterproof when enclosed in the case that comes with the camera. This waterproof case, rated to protect the camera down to depths of 131 feet, incorporates a water-repellent, anti-glare-coated lens to ensure clear video even in wet conditions. What’s more, the camera’s 3-axis stabilization keeps the video steady when the boat’s on the move.
The VIRB Ultra 30 records HD video at 4K/30fps; slow-motion video at 720p/240fps, and still photos at 12 megapixels. The camera’s high-precision sensors and internal GPS enable its G-Metrix func- tion, which displays data onscreen, such as how far and fast the camera is going. Boaters can use this fun feature to record the length of their trip or using one of a variety of on-person mounts, the height of a wakeboarder’s jump. The camera’s built-in, high-sensitivity microphone will record every moment, even when it is enclosed in the waterproof case.
The VIRB Ultra 30 has touchscreen controls on an LCD color display that allow the user to customize settings. But if a budding Scorsese’s hands are busy (driving the boat, for example), he or she can use the built-in Truly Handsfree voice control to tell the camera, “Garmin, start (or stop) recording.” If one says, “Garmin, remember that,” the camera will tag a particular moment in the footage for later viewing.
Garmin provides a free app that lets VIRB Ultra 30 users share their high-def videos in real time on YouTube, as well as upload them to Facebook and Garmin Connect. The app also lets you control the camera remotely with your smartphone or tablet. You can use Garmin VIRB Edit desktop video editing software to add preloaded music and animated G-Metrix data gauges, turning your boating and fishing adventures into mini-documentaries.